U.S. patent number 5,412,419 [Application Number 07/653,711] was granted by the patent office on 1995-05-02 for magnetic resonance imaging compatible audio and video system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Susana Ziarati. Invention is credited to Mokhtar Ziarati.
United States Patent |
5,412,419 |
Ziarati |
May 2, 1995 |
**Please see images for:
( Reexamination Certificate ) ** |
Magnetic resonance imaging compatible audio and video system
Abstract
An audio and video system that is compatible with the strong
magnetic fields generated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment
(wherein the MRI equipment is separated by a penetration panel into
a control room and a magnet room). The system receives an incoming
RF signal through a television or video cassette recorder, and then
separates the RF signal into a video section signal and an audio
section signal. The video section signal passes through appropriate
buffering, amplifying, low pass (for the procession frequency) and
RF filtering circuits, and is next conducted through the
penetration panel into the magnet room where it is terminated and
filtered again for spurious noise. A processor and LCD pixel driver
then process the video section signal and send it to an LCD display
screen. A mushroom shaped hook is mounted to the screen and a catch
is mounted to a bore of a main magnet inside the magnet room so
that the LCD screen can be attached to the bore. The audio section
signal is separated into two channels, passed through an amplifier
and appropriate RF filters and chokes, and fed into a pneumatic
transducer inside the magnet room. A headset having an inner set
connects the output of the pneumatic transducer to the patient's
ear, while an outer set covers the patient's ear to block out
gradient knocking noises. In an alternate embodiment, a CCD camera
is mounted inside the control room along with a microphone so that
pictures and sounds from the MRI technologist can be broadcast
through the present system to allow the patient to see and hear the
technologist speaking. Fiber optics technology may also be
incorporated into the signal conducted cables provided under this
invention.
Inventors: |
Ziarati; Mokhtar (Calabasas,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Ziarati; Susana (North
Hollywood, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
24622023 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/653,711 |
Filed: |
February 11, 1991 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/61; 324/318;
348/77; 348/E5.096; 348/E7.085; 600/418 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01R
33/283 (20130101); H04N 7/18 (20130101); H04N
5/44 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01R
33/28 (20060101); H04N 7/18 (20060101); H04N
5/44 (20060101); H04N 007/18 () |
Field of
Search: |
;358/93,901,102,110,112 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
AAPM report No. 20, "Site planning for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Systems," published in 1986 by the American Association of
Physicists in Medicine..
|
Primary Examiner: Kostak; Victor R.
Assistant Examiner: Lee; Michael H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich &
Rosati
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An audio and video system compatible with a magnetic resonance
imager disposed in a control room and a magnet room separated by a
penetration panel, wherein the magnet room contains a main magnet
having a bore, the system comprising:
means for receiving an incoming signal and dividing the incoming
signal into a video section signal and an audio section signal,
located in the control room;
means for buffering and amplifying the video section signal,
located in the control room, and connected to the means for
receiving;
means for filtering the video section signal for RF and high
frequencies, located in the control room, and connected to the
means for buffering and amplifying;
a first means for conducting the video section signal, connected to
the means for filtering and passing through the penetration panel
into the magnet room;
means for terminating and filtering the video section signal,
located in the main magnet bore, connected to the first means for
conducting;
means for processing and converting the video section signal into a
display driving signal, located in the main magnet bore, connected
to the means for terminating;
means for displaying the display driving signal, connected to the
means for processing, and secured to the main magnet bore by an
attachment means;
means for amplifying the audio section signal, located in the
control room, connected to the means for receiving;
means for RF filtering and RF choking the audio section signal,
located in the control room, connected to the means for
amplifying;
a second means for conducting the audio section signal, connected
to the means for RF filtering and passing through the penetration
panel into the magnet room;
means for converting the audio section signal into audible sound
waves, located in the magnet room, connected to the second means
for conducting;
a hollow tube, located in the magnet room, connected to the means
for converting; and
a headset connected to the hollow tube, located in the magnet room,
providing an inner set adapted to engage a human ear to conduct
audible sound waves thereto and disposed inside an outer set,
wherein the outer set is adapted to cover the human ear to block
out audible sound.
2. The audio and video system according to claim 1, wherein the
means for displaying further comprises means for focussing and
projecting an image from the means for displaying onto a projection
screen.
3. The audio and video system according to claim 2, wherein the
video section signal includes a chroma signal, a control signal and
a power source signal.
4. The audio and video system according to claim 3, wherein the
means for converting is a pneumatic transducer.
5. The audio and video system according to claim 4, wherein the
means for displaying is a liquid crystal display screen.
6. The audio and video system according to claim 5, wherein the
pneumatic transducer is a piezoelectric driver.
7. The audio and video system according to claim 6, wherein the
first means for conducting is a 25-conductor shielded cable.
8. The audio and video system according to claim 7, wherein the
second means for conducting is a 5-pin shielded cable.
9. The audio and video system according to claim 7, wherein the
second means for conducting is a coaxial cable.
10. The audio and video system according to claim 7, wherein the
liquid crystal display further comprises a fluorescent tube.
11. The audio and video system according to claim 10, wherein the
system further comprises means for remotely controlling the means
for receiving for volume and channel selection.
12. The audio and video system according to claim 11, wherein the
hollow tube is made from a flexible polymer.
13. The audio and video system according to claim 12, wherein the
attachment means further comprises a mushroom shaped hook affixed
to the liquid crystal display screen, and a catch, mounted to the
main magnet bore and adapted to engage the hook.
14. The audio and video system according to claim 13, wherein the
means for receiving is a television.
15. The audio and video system according to claim 13, wherein the
means for receiving is a video cassette recorder.
16. The audio and video system according to claim 1, wherein the
system further comprises a charge coupled device camera and a
microphone mounted inside the control room, wherein a video output
of the camera and an audio output of the microphone are connected
to the means for receiving.
17. An audio and video system compatible with a magnetic resonance
imager disposed in a control room and a magnet room separated by a
penetration panel, wherein the magnet room contains a main magnet
having a bore, the system comprising:
means for receiving an incoming signal and dividing the incoming
signal into a video section signal and an audio section signal,
located in the control room;
means for buffering and amplifying the video section signal,
located in the magnet room and contained within a RF shielded
enclosure, and connected to the means for receiving;
means for processing and converting the video section signal into a
display driving signal, located in the main magnet bore, connected
to the means for buffering;
means for displaying the display driving signal, connected to the
means for processing, and secured to the main magnet bore by an
attachment means;
means for amplifying the audio section signal, located in the
control room, connected to the means for receiving;
means for RF filtering and RF choking the audio section signal,
located in the control room, connected to the means for
amplifying;
a means for conducting the audio section signal, connected to the
means for RF filtering and passing through the penetration panel
into the magnet room;
means for converting the audio section signal into audible sound
waves, located in the magnet room, connected to the means for
conducting;
a hollow tube, located in the magnet room, connected to the means
for converting; and
a headset connected to the hollow tube, located in the magnet room,
providing an inner set adapted to engage a human ear to conduct
audible sound waves thereto and disposed inside an outer set,
wherein the outer set is adapted to cover the human ear to block
out audible sound.
18. A method of producing audio and video signals compatible with a
magnetic resonance imager disposed in a control room and a magnet
room separated by a penetration panel, wherein the magnet room
contains a main magnet having a bore, the method comprising the
steps of:
receiving an incoming signal inside the control room;
separating the incoming signal into a video section signal and an
audio section signal;
buffering and amplifying the video section signal;
filtering the video section signal;
shielding the video section signal;
passing the video section signal through the penetration panel into
the magnet room;
terminating and filtering the video section signal;
processing the video section signal to drive an LCD display
screen;
attaching the LCD display screen to the bore;
amplifying the audio section signal;
filtering and choking the audio section signal;
shielding the audio section signal;
passing the audio section signal through the penetration panel into
the magnet room;
transducing the audio section signal into an audible sound
wave;
conducting the audible sound wave to a headset; and
blocking out noise external to the headset.
19. An audio and video system compatible with a magnetic resonance
imager disposed in a control room and a magnet room separated by a
penetration panel, wherein the magnet room contains a main magnet
having a bore, the system comprising:
means for receiving an incoming signal and dividing the incoming
signal into a video section signal and an audio section signal,
located in the control room;
means for buffering and amplifying the video section signal,
connected to the means for receiving;
means for filtering out signals above a first high frequency of the
video section signal, connected to the means for buffering;
means for displaying the video section signal, connected to the
means for filtering out signals above a first high frequency,
located in the magnet room;
means for attaching the means for displaying to the bore;
means for amplifying the audio section signal, connected to the
means for receiving, located in the control room;
means for filtering out signals above a second high frequency of
the audio section signal, connected to the means for
amplifying;
means for converting the audio section signal into an audible sound
wave, connected to the means for filtering out signals above a
second high frequency, located in the magnet room; and
means for conveying the audible sound wave to a patient in the
magnet room and for blocking out external noise, connected to the
means for converting.
20. The audio and video system according to claim 19, wherein the
first high frequency is above 4.5 MHz.
21. The audio and video system according to claim 20, wherein the
second high frequency is above 20 kHz.
22. The audio and video system according to claim 21, wherein the
system further comprises:
a fiber optics generator, connected to the means for filtering out
signals above a first high frequency, located in the control
room;
a fiber optics cable connected to the fiber optics generator to
conduct the video section signal;
a fiber optics receiver connected to the fiber optics cable,
located in the magnet room; and wherein
the means for displaying the video section signal is connected to
the fiber optics receiver.
23. A video display system for a patient disposed within a magnetic
resonance imaging device having a magnetic field, said magnetic
resonance imaging device comprising a control room and a magnet
room separated by a penetration panel, said magnet room comprising
a main magnet having a bore, said video display system
comprising:
a magnetically inert display comprising a liquid crystal display
(LCD) screen;
said magnetically inert display positioned within the magnetic
field of said magnetic resonance imaging device; and
a filter preventing electrical signals generated by said
magnetically inert display from interfering with said magnetic
resonance imaging device.
24. The system of claim 23, further comprising means for preventing
electrical signals generated by said magnetic resonance imaging
device from interfering with said magnetically inert display.
25. The system of claim 23 or 24, wherein said filter comprises a
low pass filter.
26. The system of claim 25, further comprising means for attaching
said magnetically inert display to the main magnet bore, said means
comprising a mushroom-shaped hook affixed to the LCD screen, and a
catch mounted to the main magnet bore and adapted to engage the
hook.
27. A video display system for a patient disposed within a magnetic
resonance imaging device having a magnetic field, said magnetic
resonance imaging device comprising a control room and a magnet
room separated by a penetration panel, said magnet room comprising
a main magnet having a bore, said video display system
comprising:
a magnetically inert display comprising a liquid crystal display
(LCD) screen;
said magnetically inert display positioned within the magnetic
field of said magnetic resonance imaging device; and
means for preventing electrical signals generated by said
magnetically inert display from interfering with said magnetic
resonance imaging device.
28. The system of claim 27, further comprising means for preventing
electrical signals generated by said magnetic resonance imaging
device from interfering with said magnetically inert display.
29. The system of claim 27 or 28, wherein at least one of said
means for preventing comprises a low pass filter.
30. The system of claim 29, further comprising means for attaching
said magnetically inert display to the main magnet bore, said means
comprising a mushroom-shaped hook affixed to the LCD screen, and a
catch mounted to the main magnet bore and adapted to engage the
hook.
31. A video display system for a patient disposed within a magnetic
resonance imaging device having a magnetic field, said magnetic
resonance imaging device comprising a control room and a magnet
room separated by a penetration panel, said magnet room comprising
a main magnet having a bore, said video display system
comprising:
a video signal;
a magnetically inert display comprising a liquid crystal display
(LCD) screen;
said magnetically inert display positioned within the magnetic
field of said magnetic resonance imaging device; and
means for preventing electrical signals generated by said video
signal from interfering with said magnetic resonance imaging
device.
32. The system of claim 31, further comprising means for preventing
electrical signals generated by said magnetic resonance imaging
device from interfering with said video signal.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein at least one of said means for
preventing comprises a low pass filter.
34. The system of claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein said video signal is
supplied to said magnetically inert display through a shielded
cable.
35. The system of claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein said video signal is
supplied to said magnetically inert display through a fiber optic
cable.
36. The system of claim 33, further comprising an amplifier located
in the control room, for amplifying the video signal before the
video signal is filtered by said filter.
37. The system of claim 36, further comprising means for attaching
said magnetically inert display to the main magnet bore, said means
comprising a mushroom-shaped hook affixed to the LCD screen, and a
catch mounted to the main magnet bore and adapted to engage the
hook.
38. The system of claim 32, further comprising a charge coupled
device camera and a microphone mounted inside the control room,
wherein a video output of the camera supplies said video
signal.
39. A video and audio display system for a patient disposed within
a magnetic resonance imaging device having a magnetic field, said
magnetic resonance imaging device comprising a control room and a
magnet room separated by a penetration panel, said magnet room
comprising a main magnet having a bore, said video and audio
display system comprising:
an incoming signal comprising a video signal portion and an audio
signal portion;
a video and audio receiver, wherein said receiver divides said
incoming signal into a video signal portion and an audio signal
portion;
a magnetically inert display comprising a liquid crystal display
(LCD) screen;
said magnetically inert display positioned within the magnetic
field of said magnetic resonance imaging device; and
means for preventing electrical signals generated by said video
signal portion from interfering with said magnetic resonance
imaging device.
40. The system of claim 39, further comprising means for preventing
electrical signals generated by said magnetic resonance imaging
device from interfering with said video signal portion.
41. The system of claim 39, further comprising a filter preventing
said audio signal portion from interfering with the magnetic
resonance imaging device.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein said filter comprises a low
pass filter.
43. The system of claim 39, 40 or 41, wherein said video signal
portion is supplied to said magnetically inert display through a
shielded cable.
44. The system of claim 39, 40 or 41, wherein said video signal
portion is supplied to said magnetically inert display through a
fiber optic cable.
45. The system of claim 39, 40 or 41, further comprising a
piezoelectric transducer for converting said audio signal portion
into audio sound waves.
46. The system of claim 45, further comprising a hollow tube
connected to said piezoelectric transducer, and a headset connected
to said hollow tube, said headset comprising an inner set portion
adapted to engage a human ear to conduct audible sound waves
thereto and disposed inside an outer set portion, wherein the outer
set portion is adapted to cover the human ear to block out audible
sound.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of magnetic resonance
imaging equipment. More precisely, the present invention relates to
an audio and video system including a liquid crystal display that
is not disrupted by strong magnetic fields created by Magnetic
Resonance Imaging devices.
2. Description of the Prior Art and Related Information
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (i.e., "MRI") is a relatively new
scanning procedure being used in the medical community extensively.
MRI is a valued technique for assisting doctors diagnose numerous
medical ailments. The scanning procedure requires that a patient
lie still inside a tunnel shaped enclosure called the bore. The MRI
device uses a strong magnetic field that is generated around the
patient's body. Disturbances in the field due to the presence of
the body can be detected and translated into images displayed on a
viewing screen.
MRI technology involves very sophisticated hardware. The most
prominent piece of hardware is a large magnet that induces a
strong, uniform, and static magnetic field. Generally, the magnetic
field ranges from 0.5 Tesla to 2.0 Tesla inside the bore. Gradient
coils disposed around the bore induce spatially variant magnetic
fields (i.e., gradients) that modify the existing uniform magnetic
field. To induce nuclear resonance, a transmitter emits radio waves
through a coil, which coil couples the radio wave energy with the
resonating nuclei inside the magnetic field. A receiver, also
connected to the coil, receives the disrupted electromagnetic
waves. The waves are filtered, amplified, and processed into visual
data for viewing by an MRI technologist attending to the procedure.
More detailed information regarding MRI equipment is available in a
book entitled Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, pp. 53-66 (1st ed. 1981),
the contents of which are incorporated by reference.
As useful as an MRI scanning procedure is, it exacts a toll on the
patient. For example, on many occasions patients cannot complete
the exam due to claustrophobia caused by having to lie prone inside
the bore for a long time while the procedure takes place. To be
sure, the procedure is rather long in duration, lasting about half
an hour up to two hours. Or, the patient simply gets bored or
restless from being in a tight area.
Another discomforting factor is that during the MRI exam there is a
harsh and loud knocking noise generated by the MRI gradient
amplifier. This noise is commonly called gradient pulse, which
naturally is very annoying to the patient who must endure the drone
for a long period of time.
Accordingly, there is a great demand for some method of comforting
the patient to keep his mind off the MRI scanning procedure. He
should be entertained in some way without having the entertainment
aspect detracting from the quality of the images that are being
taken by the MRI technologist. Indeed, the patient should be
relaxed somehow since the MRI device is formidable-looking and the
patient is most likely already nervous from having to undergo such
an examination.
A quick and simple solution to the entertainment problem is to
provide the patient with a television to view, or a radio to listen
to. But by virtue of the operating principles behind MRI
technology, the exam room where the main magnet is located is
permeated with very strong magnetic fields. So it is nearly
impossible for a typical television, video cassette recorder (VCR),
stereo, cassette player, or any electronic device to function
properly in those conditions. In short, the effect of the strong
magnetic field and the sensitivity of the MRI hardware to high
frequency RF leakage (mainly from 10 MHz to 70 MHz) do not allow an
ordinary television or audio system to function inside the magnet
room (i.e., exam room).
Therefore, a need presently exists for an electronic device that
can operate in the environment of an MRI magnet room to entertain a
nervous patient while he or she undergoes the scanning procedure.
The electronic device should also not interfere with the MRI
process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic entertainment device
suitable for operation within strong magnetic fields. In a
preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an audio and
video system with properly filtered and shielded circuitry so that
the system can be operated in a strong magnetic field created by
MRI equipment. For the patient's benefit, the system also provides
a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen for watching and a headset
for listening.
The audio and video system provided by the present invention is
divided between two rooms occupied by the MRI equipment. Although
not part of the present invention, description of the rooms is
given as background information. One room is called the control
room and is where the MRI technologist controls the MRI process.
The other room is the magnet or exam room, which is separated from
the control room by a penetration panel, and contains the main
magnet of the MRI device.
According to the present invention, the system receives an incoming
RF signal through a television receiver or video cassette recorder,
which then separates the RF signal into a video section signal and
an audio section signal. The video section signal passes through
appropriate buffering, amplifying, low pass and RF filtering
circuits. The low pass filter is necessary to block out high
frequency noise around the procession frequency of a hydrogen
proton, which resonates during the MRI process. Next, the video
section signal is conducted through the penetration panel into the
magnet room where it is terminated and filtered again for
noise.
Inside the magnet room, a processing circuit and LCD pixel driver
then process the video section signal and send it to an LCD display
screen. An optional magnifying lens system may be adapted to the
LCD display screen to project the pictures on to a large reflective
screen (as in a big screen TV). A patient lying prone inside the
magnet bore can then watch the television pictures on the
reflective screen through a pair of prism glasses worn by him.
But without the lens system, the patient views the LCD display
screen directly. To facilitate viewing, a mushroom shaped hook is
mounted to the LCD screen and a catch is mounted to the bore so
that the LCD screen can be attached to the bore.
The audio section signal is separated into two channels, passed
through an amplifier and appropriate RF filters and chokes, and fed
through the penetration panel and into a pneumatic transducer
inside the magnet room. The pneumatic transducer converts the
electrical impulses of the audio section signal into audible sound
waves.
Also provided by the present invention is a headset designed to fit
the skull of the patient undergoing the MRI procedure. The headset
comprises an inner set and an outer set. The inner set connects the
output of the pneumatic transducer to the patient's ear, thereby
bringing sounds of the television or VCR to the patient. By
contrast, the outer set is circumaurel in construction so that each
ear cup covers the patient's ears to block out gradient knocking
noises.
Another feature of the preferred embodiment system is for the
patient to be able to see and hear the MRI technologist speaking to
him from the control room via the LCD display screen and headset.
This is achieved by mounting a CCD (charge coupled device) camera
with a microphone in the control room and using a television signal
interrupt switch to turn the CCD camera and microphone on, and then
patching into the television receiver. The receiver then functions
as before to direct the pictures and sounds to the patient. Hence,
this feature allows the patient to see and hear the
technologist.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating the entire audio and video system separated
between a control room and a magnet room.
FIG. 2 illustrates a headset provided by the present invention and
a supplemental side view of an ear cup of the headset.
FIG. 3 provides a magnified view of an ear tip component of the
inner set.
FIG. 4 is a view of a preferred embodiment LCD video display
screen.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the hook mounted to the LCD display
screen.
FIGS. 6A and 6B provide side and bottom views, respectively, of the
catch mechanism designed to engage the hook shown in FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description outlines an MRI compatible audio
and video system having an LCD display screen. In the following
description, numerous details such as specific materials and
configurations are set forth in order to provide a more complete
understanding of the present invention. But it is understood by
those skilled in the art that the present invention can be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well
known elements are not described in detail so as not to obscure the
present invention. In any event, the scope of the invention is best
determined by reference to the appended claims.
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an MRI
compatible audio and video system. FIG. 1 gives a general overview
of how the present invention system is set up in relation to the
MRI equipment, which is disposed partly in a magnet room and partly
in a control room.
One portion of the present invention system is located inside the
MRI control room 1. That portion of the system includes a receiver
and associated electronic filters and circuitry. Dashed lines in
FIG. 1 circumscribe the borders of that room. Everything outside
the dashed lines represents the examination or magnet room 2. The
other portion of the system that includes an LCD screen and its
circuitry are located within the magnet room 2. As the name
implies, the magnet room 2 contains a main magnet of the MRI device
(not shown) that generates a strong magnetic field.
Continuing with the general overview, FIG. 1 shows that the system
contained in the magnet room 2 is again divided such that certain
parts of the system are mounted inside the bore of the main magnet
(so labeled in FIG. 1) and other parts remain outside the bore. The
parts inside the bore include a terminator, filter circuits, an LCD
pixel driver, and an LCD screen. Of course the patient (not shown)
undergoing the scanning process is positioned inside the bore, too.
Outside the bore but still within the magnet room 2 is a pneumatic
transducer 21 for generating sound, which is connected to a headset
23 worn by the patient.
Aside from being physically divided into two portions, the system
in a preferred embodiment is separated in terms of electronics into
two major sections; namely, a video section and an audio section.
Each section is explained in detail below.
THE VIDEO SECTION (CONTROL ROOM)
The video section is located partially in the control room 1 and
partially in the magnet room 2, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In the
control room 1, a television receiver 3 picks up an incoming RF
signal through an antenna or from a video source like a video
cassette recorder (VCR) player. The receiver 3 processes the
incoming RF signal and separates out the sound or audio section
signal 17 from the picture or video section signal 4. Since a
television receiver and VCR are devices well known in the art, no
detailed discussion is required here.
In the video section, the video section signal 4 is processed from
the incoming RF signal in the television receiver 3 to obtain red,
green, and blue chroma video signals (labeled R, G, and B in FIG.
1), and a control signal. The red, green and blue chroma signals
along with the control signal, collectively labeled the video
section signal 4, are sent to a buffer board 5. A power supply,
well known in the art, delivers as part of the video section signal
4 a power signal (labeled PWS in FIG. 1) to the buffer circuit
board 5.
At this point all the signals necessary to drive the LCD display
screen 6 are present, but since the LCD screen 6 is located a
distance away from the television receiver 3 (in a preferred
embodiment, about 100 feet away from the television unit) the video
section signal 4 needs to be amplified and buffered. Hence the need
for a buffer and amplifier board 5. For some types of signals, only
a unity-gain, current driver amplifier is sufficient. In this
preferred embodiment, a high gain bandwidth operational amplifier
is used as a buffer to drive the video section signal 4 through the
approximately 100 feet. In some signals, amplification along with a
driver are necessary.
A typical MRI signal is very sensitive to the electrical noise
around the procession frequency of a hydrogen proton, wherein this
frequency varies from 12 MHz to 80 MHz depending on the field
strength of the magnet. This relationship is generally expressed
as:
wherein B is the field strength in Tesla and f is the frequency in
Megahertz.
Mindful of the foregoing relationship, a filter board 7 is included
to block out all other frequencies above the video frequency range,
typically above 4.5 MHz. To do that, a LP filter and an RF filter
are required for the filter board 7. All of the signals from the
buffer board 5 have to pass through the filter board 7 before
entering the magnet room 2.
As alluded to above, after leaving the filter board 7, the video
section signal 4 can travel up about 100 feet before interfacing
with the LCD screen 6. Thus, a 25-conductor shielded cable 8 is
used to carry the video section signal 4 for that distance.
In an alternate embodiment (not shown), a fiber optic cable may be
used in place of the shielded cable 8. Further, a fiber optic
generator is added to the filter board 7 to convert the electrical
video section signal 4 to optical impulses to be carried by the
fiber optic cable. In this embodiment, the terminator board 9 is
not required. In its place is a fiber optic receiver to decode and
convert the optical impulses into electrical signals.
THE VIDEO SECTION (MAGNET ROOM)
The 25-conductor shielded cable 8 is fed into the magnet room 2
where the other part of the video section is located. But first,
the cable 8 must pass through a penetration panel (not shown)
separating the magnet room 2 from the control room 1. In the magnet
room 2, the incoming video section signal 4 from the 25-conductor
shielded cable 8 is terminated with the proper load resistor 9
known in the art. Appropriate filters are also provided on that
same circuit board 9 to eliminate the effects of RF signals and
gradient noise from the MRI equipment upon the video section signal
4, and vice versa.
The video section signal 4 next proceeds to circuit board 10. Here,
the incoming analog and digitized signal 4 from the terminator and
filter board 9 is processed and fed into an LCD pixel driver
circuit 10. The output of the processor circuit and pixel driver 10
is sent to the LCD display screen 6. As seen in FIG. 1, located
just behind the LCD screen 6 is a light source 10 such as a
fluorescent tube to supply backlighting for the picture on the LCD
screen 6. Naturally, other means of backlighting known in the art
are possible. FIG. 4 provides a more detailed view of the LCD
display screen 6.
MOUNTING THE LCD DISPLAY SCREEN
According to the present invention, placement of the LCD display
screen 6 is important. There are basically two different ways of
positioning a patient inside the main magnet bore for an MRI exam;
he can be positioned inside the bore either with his head in first
or with his feet in first. Needless to say, this complicates the
way the LCD display screen 6 can be oriented. For instance, the LCD
display screen 6 cannot be mounted in a horizontal plane if the
patient goes into the bore feet first because the picture on the
LCD display screen 6 would appear upside down to him. Of course the
screen 6 would then have to be rotated 180.degree. along a vertical
axis of rotation to obtain an upright image.
Fortunately, most of the MRI devices on the market already have a
built-in reflection mirror inside the magnet bore. With this
mirror, the patient can see outside of the bore along a horizontal
axis as he lies on his back on a patient carriage oriented head
first in the magnet bore. To take advantage of the orientation of
the patient, the present invention provides that the LCD display
screen 6 be mounted vertically a quarter of the distance inside the
magnet bore. When the patient is placed inside the magnet head
first, he can see the LCD display screen 6 through its reflection
in the mirror. If the patient enters the magnet bore feet first, he
has a direct view of the LCD display screen 6 if the screen 6 is
pivoted around a vertical axis.
FIGS. 4, 5, 6A and 6B illustrate the means by which the LCD display
screen 6 is held in position inside the magnet bore. In this
preferred embodiment, a mushroom shaped hook 12 extends from the
top of the LCD display screen 6 as depicted in FIG. 4. The display
screen 6 in FIG. 4 is tilted slightly to reveal the placement of
the hook 12. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the mushroom-shape
hook 12. As the name implies, the hook 12 has a round shaft 13
capped at one end by a circular dome 14. A catch 15, shown in FIGS.
6A and 6B, mounted to the bore is designed to receive the hook 12
of the LCD screen 6, holding the screen 6 up in the bore. It can be
seen that the large dome 14 of the hook 12 slides into the dovetail
opening 16 of the catch 15. Moreover, the hook 12 is designed to
rotate, slide or disengage if the LCD display screen 6 is
accidentally knocked along a horizontal direction, thus avoiding
any damage to the LCD screen 6. Alternatively, the LCD screen 6 can
be mounted to the bore with something as simple as a hook and pile
fastener (i.e., Velcro).
THE AUDIO SECTION
The next part of the system as provided in the preferred embodiment
of the present invention is an audio section that enables the
patient to hear the signal from the television receiver 3. Going
back to FIG. 1, the television receiver 3 separates out the audio
section signal 17 from the received RF signal in a manner known in
the art. Next, the audio output from the receiver 3 is separated
into two channels for left and right stereo imaging (labeled L and
R in FIG. 1), then amplified through a dedicated audio amplifier 18
with a volume control.
The output of the audio section signal 17 from the audio amplifier
18 needs to be filtered to block out electromagnetic interference
having a frequency above 20 kHz. Therefore, the present invention
provides an appropriate RF filter and RF choke 19 to block out the
unwanted electrical noise, obtaining approximately -50 dbA
attenuation for all frequencies above 5 MHz. The outputted audio
section signal 17 is then conducted into the magnet room 2 through
an audio cable 20 that passes through the penetration panel. In a
preferred embodiment, the audio cable 20 can be about 100 feet in
length of either a five-pin shielded conductor, or two separate
coaxial cables. Optical fiber technology may also be incorporated
herein to conduct the audio section signal 17 too.
The magnet room 2 where the patients undergo the MRI procedure is
completely shielded for RF signals. As mentioned above, the magnet
room 2 features a penetration panel that helps shield out unwanted
RF signals. Any cable that goes into the magnet room 2 must pass
through the penetration panel. As a result, all of the audio and
video signals have to be RF shielded and passed through a low pass
filter before going through the penetration panel and into the
magnet room 2.
Inside the magnet room 2, the audio cable 20 is connected to a box
containing a pneumatic transducer 21 to convert electrical impulses
of the audio section signal 17 into audible sound waves (i.e.,
pneumatic impulses). The pneumatic transducer 21 can be made in
several different ways. In the preferred embodiment, piezoelectric
speakers known in the art are ideal since they utilize the
piezoelectric effect and are non-magnetic. Thus, the function of
the speaker is not affected by the main magnet.
The sound waves generated by the transducer 21 are conveyed through
a hollow tube 22 connected at one end to a headset 23 worn by the
patient. In the preferred embodiment, the tubing 22 is made from a
flexible polymer material, has a 1/8th inch inside diameter, and
extends about 36 inches long. Clearly, there are many other
possible methods known in the art of conducting audible sound from
the transducer to the headset, of which plastic tubing is only
one.
Another acceptable pneumatic transducer is a small, full-range
speaker packaged in a manner such that its cone driver faces and
abuts the plastic tubing to transfer the sound to the headset. Yet
another type of pneumatic transducer is a 4" mid-range driver,
model LM1824, manufactured by Electro Voice. This type of driver is
configured into a horn where the sound is emitted out of a one-inch
diameter opening. The opening can be adapted to a one-half inch
diameter plastic tubing which conducts the sound waves to the
patient. With this specific horn speaker design, however, the
speaker has to be mounted outside of the magnet room because this
particular horn driver has a large magnet that might be disrupted
by the main magnet of the MRI imager.
THE HEADSET
The audible sound waves from the pneumatic transducer 21 propagate
through the hollow tube 22 and into a headset 23. As mentioned
above, during the MRI procedure, data is usually collected by a
high current RF signal called a gradient pulse. Gradient pulse
causes an audible and loud knocking noise that tends to be very
annoying to the patient. To overcome this problem, the present
invention provides a specially designed headset 23 to block the
gradient noise by 21 decibels or approximately 92% attenuation from
its original level.
According to the present invention, the diagram in FIG. 2 shows a
preferred embodiment headset 23. The two major parts of the headset
23 are an outer set 24 and an inner set 25. The outer set 24 is
similar to the ear muff type headsets used at gun ranges. That
particular design is intended to muffle the loud crack or sound
impulse generated by a discharging gun. The outer set 24 as
provided by this preferred embodiment has ear cups 26 (shown in a
supplemental side view in FIG. 2) that are circumaural, meaning
that the ear cups 26 completely enclose each ear. The ear cups 26
are all plastic and have very soft and comfortable cushions that
conform to the side of the patient's head while sealing out
external sounds. Also, the headpiece is adjustable and the ear cups
26 are hinged to ensure a proper fit around the patient's skull. In
sum, the outer set 24 by virtue of its circumaural design blocks
out the gradient knocking noise.
Disposed inside the outer set 24 is the inner set 25, to which the
tubing 22 conducting the sound waves is connected. As shown in FIG.
3, the inner set 25 is configured somewhat like the headsets rented
out to passengers by airlines on long distance flights. The basic
inner set 25 has an L shape so that its eartip 27 easily hooks into
the patient's ear canal while its base connects with the tubing 22.
Operating together, the outer set 24 blocks out any gradient
knocking noise while the inner set 25 supplies to the patient
soothing sounds broadcast from the receiver 3.
In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is modified with
an array of magnifying lenses (not shown) disposed adjacent to the
LCD display screen. A reflective screen is set up a distance away
from the lenses but aligned therewith. In this manner, the pictures
on the LCD display screen are projected through the lenses onto the
larger reflective screen. In effect, a big screen TV effect can be
obtained for easier viewing by the patient.
Many other modifications are possible. For example, a volume
control, VCR controls, along with a television channel control
could be accessed remotely from the patient's end through a means
known in the art. In the same vein, even a panic switch for the
patient could be adapted to the system. This way, if the patient
has an emergency, he can immediately signal the MRI technologist
through a remote controller. One such controller is a handheld
infra-red remote controller well known in the art that could be
easily adapted by one having ordinary skill in the art to
incorporate all of the above-mentioned functions.
In another alternate embodiment, the system may be modified for the
patient to be able to see and hear the MRI technologist in the
control room via the LCD display screen and headset as the
technologist talks to him. This is achieved by mounting a CCD
(charge coupled device) camera and a microphone in the control room
and using an RF signal interrupt switch in the television, known in
the art, to turn the CCD camera and microphone on. The pictures and
sounds are then supplied to the patient's LCD display screen and
headset in the same manner as described for the preferred
embodiment audio and video section signals.
In yet another alternate embodiment, the present invention provides
that one cable from the television receiver or VCR located outside
the magnet room be passed through the penetration panel. Along with
video signal, the cable could carry the power source signal for the
television processor/pixel driver circuit and the buffer circuit
board. The buffer board and the television processor circuit are
both kept in the magnet room inside an RF shielded enclosure, which
connects with the incoming cable. An outgoing cable from the
shielded enclosure then conducts the signals to the LCD display
screen.
An advantage of the foregoing alternate embodiment is that only one
filter is required for the video section signal and one filter for
the power supply. By contrast, the preferred embodiment requires
about twenty filters. Also, it is much easier to install since this
embodiment can be adapted to use the RG 58 coaxial cable typically
already connected to the penetration panel. No opening has to be
cut into the panel to provide access for other cables.
Unfortunately, the buffer board and associated filters for this
alternate embodiment might create spurious RF signals that
adversely affect the ongoing MRI imaging scan. Indeed, the quality
of the patient scan image may be adversely affected by such RF
signal leaks.
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